Georgia city council votes to require gun ownership

Share this story

NELSON, Ga. (AP) - A north Georgia city has approved an ordinance that would make gun ownership mandatory, though the measure doesn't include a penalty for those who don't comply.

City council members in Nelson unanimously voted Monday night to adopt the Family Protection Ordinance. The city of about 1,300 is located about 50 miles north of Atlanta.

Backers said they want to make a statement about gun rights. However, the ordinance includes exemptions for people with a physical or mental disability, convicted felons and people who conscientiously oppose gun ownership.

Many states and communities have moved to tighten gun control since a gunman massacred 26 children and educators at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn. Elsewhere, residents and officials have tried to loosen restrictions, or even require gun ownership.